Fitness Friday Video: Hula Hooping 101

We’ve seen a resurgence of hula hooping since it caught on in the 1950s. Today, it’s generally known as just “hooping” or “hoopdance,” and it’s a great way to socialize while reaping the benefits of exercise. I interviewed Green Mountain fitness intern Melissa about her hooping skills. You’ll see a bit of them in the video, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. She’s a hooping queen!

How did you discover hooping?

There’s a hooping community in the town where I live and “hoopers” would gather at the farmers’ market and hoop to live music. It sparked my interest, so I took a few lessons at a local dance studio.

How long did it take you to get your groove?

Well not everybody has the same experience, for me it took maybe one class before I felt like I got it, but learning tricks and different movements take more time to master. If you don’t get it after one class, stick with it, everyone is different.

How did you build it into your life?

I just pick up my hoop everyday. It’s almost a cure-all remedy for me. If I’m in a bad mood, it helps to get me out of it. If I’m in a good mood, it’s an expression of that good mood. There are days when I don’t pick it up or may go through a stage of not hooping, but it’s like riding a bike. It’s my meditation.